Throughout Canada and in many of the states, there are hockey programs for young people who have developmental handicaps from autism, retardation, seizures or other causes. The only special needs ice hockey program in California meets Sunday afternoons at the Valley Ice Center in Panorama City.
Ask the kids what they like, and the first answer is, “The team.” They call themselves “The California Condors.” Recently they participated in a special needs tournament in Utah. The group is open to all disabilities, all ages, male or female and all levels of skills – including those who have never skated before. On ice, all are equal.
The general public is familiar with the Special Olympics, but hockey is not part of that program. The program in Panorama City is the brainchild of Rita Eagle, whose son was able to play hockey when the family lived in Toronto. Her goal is to encourage these young people to have fun and learn skills and teamwork in a safe environment.
Why bother with hockey, when other sports are available to special needs people? Hockey requires skills not used in other sports – skating being the most obvious. Some unusual benefits come from moving on skates. One young Condor player has had difficulty walking, due to cerebral palsy. But on ice, he has found a remarkable freedom of movement.
The NHL Players Association has generously donated equipment that is distributed through H.E.L.P., a non-profit set up to provide hockey equipment to families who cannot afford it. The rest is up to the players, to their enthusiasm and joy in the sport.
The first – and only – special needs ice hockey program in California.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONDORS HOCKEY CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO.
Special Needs Hockey
WELCOME TO CONDORS COUNTRY
The California Condors took a step foward in October, entering their first tournament, and playing more experienced teams to a draw. Three ties, with the third finally broken by a shootout.
It was a tri-state tournament - Utah, Colorado and California. Special Needs Hockey is common throughout Canada and many of the States. But the still young Condors team represents the only special needs hockey program in California.
The tournament settling in the magnificent rink built for the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics added to the excitement. "Their energy was high. I felt their excitement," says Coach Ethan Rill. "This was as good hockey energy as I have ever felt."
Will Poulos is one of the best players on the Condor team. He has cerebral palsy and started playing roller hockey at an early age - part of his therapy to help control his ability to walk. His difficultiesare not apparent on ice. "It's not about winning or losing," Will says. "It's about having fun on the ice. And I was having so much fun. It got better with each game. We can only get better."
The road to the Utah tournament was made possible by the generosity of fans and friends, including the Los Angeles Kings. Not least among those helping was 13-year-old Scott Belinsky who sometimes skates with the Condors as a volunteer helper. Scott was assigned to raise money for charity in preparation for his bar mitzvah, and was able to present the team with a check for $3,000. In response, he received a plaque commemorating his generosity, and plenty of hugs.
NOW PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH THE AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Fee for the season is payable at the first session you attend,
prorated according to the sign-up date.
Classes:are on Sumday:
3:45-4:45 Players 10 and under and beginner skaters
4:45-5:45 More experienced players, 10 and up.
Newcomers
Sessions for new players will begin October 17, 2010.
You can begin skating at any time on or after that date.
Please sign up for three trial sessions. If this works out,
you will register for the remainder of the season at the pro-rated rate
TO REGISTER: Call Conor Sutton, 818-893-1784 X228
Note :Players must wear full protective gear and a hockey helmet with cage. Equipment is provided and includes mandatory helmet with cage.
AFTER you have registered, call Rita Eagle 310-792-4794 (T,W, ,Friday) Or 310- 490-1504 at other times, to arrange equipment.
VALLEY ICE CENTER CLASSES FEATURE
- Excellent coaches and high coach/skater ratio!
- Ability to skate is an asset but is NOT required.
- Boy and girls, all ages welcome.
Players must have USA Hockey insurance which can be obtained easily on line (www.usahockeyregistration.com). To obtain insurance without a fee for the first year, please contact Rita Eagle (310-792-4794) for more information.
Hockey players at the end of each game meet at center ice and shake hands in a show of sportsmanship. Watch as the Condors do the same.
